polar bears play with dogs video

can't we all just stop and play?
I've found I've been playing at vaulting with some people I strongly disagree with
(and they with me) about our next president (and yes--I VOTED yesterday. Texas has great
early voting policies.). We do overcome a lot of animosity generated by the two sides
and have actually had some calm discussions about our different ideas.
Probably because we play and laugh together. I'm not swayed into thinking McCain is the
better candidate, mind you, just that all McCain supporters are not nine- headed hydras. (note the hyperbole).
Go for the jugular or laugh and disarm? Which is more effective?

Republicans for Obama

This bumper sticker is on my car. No, I'm not Republican, but when I was selecting a sticker, I thought this one would get the most head turning. And it has. I've had a guy in a pick-up truck with a gun rack and veteran stickers (but W with a bar through it as well) honk and wave at me. (I'm in a little Mazda hatchback with riding boots in the back and a dog in the front seat. My only other sticker is a Panther paw print as a nod to my job on Friday Night Lights) I'm had a woman in a Suburban that is 3 times the size of my car give me 'die, bitch!' looks and cut me off.
So much animosity. I know it's on both sides. Interestingly, now Republicans are finally feeling what it means to be attached O'Reilly style.
We're had a good 8 +years on the receiving end of O'Reilly and company, so I guess have learned how to give it back.
I'm trying to listen to the other side. As in why in the world would any thinking person vote for the McCain/Palin ticket? I still don't know, the reasons are generally vague, as in "I vote Republican", "I'm a Christian.". As I wrote on my sister's site--why wouldn't a Christian be in favor of health care for all, but I guess that's not the point for then. Didn't Jesus practice socialism when he made 40 loaves of bread and fish and wine to feed all the people from a meager amount? (help me Rachel with specifics on that parable/metaphor).
But my other point is my discussion with the Republicans I'm seeking out to have these conversations --I was done with preaching to the converted, I feel too strongly about the need to really make a change in the White House--- is that both sides feel the other side is only attacking them and not listening.
And I've noticed Obama listens--he listens during the debate and responds to points made.
I think he'll listen to other countries, and not just shove "America #1" in their face. BTW, scary fact, we're not so #1 anymore. Anyone been to Europe lately? Unaffordable, unless you are in that top 2%. Most of us aren't. Not even Joe the Plumber.

life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage

I think a lot about courage--in the definition of courage is being afraid and acting anyway. It's not having no fear (that's maladaptive at the very least), it's looking over the precipice and seeing it's scary, but jumping anyway. (this is a metaphorical precipice of course. I'm not really into breaking my femur.)
This topic title is a quote from Anais Nin I had found saved in my old Spanish dictionary. It was from a quote of the day calendar, there's no year on it, but it has to be more than 10 years old. It's funny those things that follow you around your whole life. That quote still resonates with me now as it did then.
And what is scary? I think physical chances are so much easier to take (for me!) than psychic chances... the scariest thing still to me is to raise my hand in a class or meeting to make a comment. But I'll go try to jump onto a 16+ hand horse at a canter and not feel the same trepidation.
I still don't think I'll make a comment at the production meeting today!

ps--I thought I had posted this, but only had saved it... it's a little old, but not too moldy.